Iowa high school wrestler qualifies for Olympic Trials

[GG121AND2]

Rachel Watters, a senior at Huxley Ballard, finished fourth yesterday and qualified for the Olympic Trials. She won her first 2 matches by tech fall and then lost to the eventual champion. Rachel then won her first consolation bout to make it to the third-place match which she lost to finish fourth.

She's been called the top female recruit in the country and is headed to Oklahoma City University to wrestle for Archie Randall.

Let's be sure to root for Rachel in Iowa City in April.

 

[caseyballzz]

How did Cassie Herkleman do? I think she won her first 2 matches.

 

[GG121AND2]

I'll check. I know she did not qualify.

 

[pablow]

Congratulations Rachel! See you in Iowa City.

 

[GG121AND2]

Six young women with Iowa ties competed at the qualifier. Lauren Louive, who is listed as a member of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club and works with Mike Duroe at Cornell, and Julie Carpenter Johnson from Waldorf were both 0-2. Cassy Herkelman and Megan Black each lost their first matches and won their first consolation bouts. Both then fell in their second wrestle-back bouts. Jasmine Bailey was knocked out of the championship bracket in her first match and then won two matches in consolation, including her match with Cassy. She then lost, one match short of qualifying.

They still have chances to qualify. The best opportunity is probably the Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association Championships where the top 3 qualify. Based on rankings, Iowa City West grad and current McKendree University Bearcat, Jasmine Bailey, would appear to have the best shot. She was ranked 8th at 136 in the last rankings.

 

[bphawkeye_Rivals]

great info GG - cheers